When dealing with infertility, patients often feel alone, but did you know that over seven million men and women across the U.S. deal with infertility every year? You might also be surprised to hear that In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is no longer synonymous with twins.
These are just two infertility truths that the general public may not realize. In fact, while scientific, medical and technological advances have made infertility treatment safer, quicker and more successful than ever, there is little public awareness of that progress.
A survey conducted by RMA of Philadelphia last year revealed just how big the gap between reality and perception was. Here are the 3 infertility facts everyone should know:
3 Infertility Facts to That May Affect the Way You See Your Future
Fertility Declines with Age: Earlier than Most Think
While most people are aware that fertility declines with age, a women’s peak fertility is actually in her mid-to late 20’s, a fact most survey respondents didn’t realize.
Once she is 35 years old, her fertility begins to decline more significantly.
So if you’re a woman focused on building a career, continuing education, or traveling the world, talking with your OBGYN about future fertility options like egg freezing would be a good idea. Egg freezing is also an option for women who haven’t yet found the right partner.
Clinic Success Matters
Choosing a fertility clinic that routinely performs one embryo transfer at a time with Single Embryo Transfer (SET) and has success rates above the national average and could give you a better chance at starting your family.
You also may spend less money on treatment and be in treatment for a shorter time. It’s important to look into a clinic’s SET and success rates go to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, which tracks the figures.
IVF No Longer Means Twins
Thanks to major advances in the field – pioneered by RMA of Philadelphia sister practice Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey (RMANJ) – fertility doctors are now able to transfer just one embryo at a time, leading to high success rates and safer pregnancies. This breakthrough has nearly eliminated the need for double embryo transfer, which often resulted in twins and posed more risk for mother and child. Yet the public’s perception of IVF resulting in twins endures.
In fact, advances like Next Generation Comprehensive Chromosome Screening (NexCCS), where doctors can identify the best embryos for transfer, and Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET), where doctors freeze an embryo until a woman’s uterus is receptive to it, have completely changed the industry for the better, leading to healthy singleton pregnancies.
The bottom line?
Patients struggling with infertility should have hope; the outlook has never been brighter. Infertility treatment has advanced dramatically, options have expanded, and the reality of being a parent is closer than you think.
